“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (Jas. 1:27).
Have you ever been challenged, as a believer, to become actively involved in the life of an underprivileged or unwanted child? There is a tremendous need today for Christians to put reality to their faith by reaching out to some of the Lord’s youngest treasures who need special attention.
Opening your home and caring for these young ones is certainly needful, but there are many other ways of helping in this ministry. I trust that in sharing some ideas and personal experiences the Lord might use them to stir your heart to pray more effectively and perhaps even serve Him in some part of this work.
For twenty years the Lord allowed my husband and me the wonderful privilege of caring for forty-three babies. Many of these little ones came from home situations that made foster care necessary for their safety and well-being.
Such an experience for us began late one evening with a phone call from a Social Service caseworker. She was trying to place toddler-age twin girls whose mother had been admitted to the hospital earlier in the day. There was no knowledge of the location of the father.
We were faced with a quick decision as far as checking on schedules and the needs of our family. In addition to serving the Lord at our local assembly, we were the parents of six children who were active in school programs and sports. As much as we desired to help others, our family was our first responsibility. We immediately asked for wisdom and guidance from the Lord and He gave peace to our hearts.
We advised the caseworker that we would be able to take the girls and made the necessary arrangements for their transition.
When the girls arrived, they were accompanied by the caseworker and two older brothers. All the children were tired, hungry, and frightened after spending most of the day in the Social Services office. As we were taking the little girls from the car, one of the boys asked if he could stay with us also. I explained to him that he would be staying at another home since we didn’t have enough room for him. His eyes quickly filled with tears as he said, “Please let me stay, too. I promise I’ll be very good.” My heart ached as I watched them leave after assuring both boys that a loving family was waiting especially for them.
Sleep came quickly to the little girls who had been left in our care as their tummies were filled and loving arms reached out to comfort them. My heart was reminded of Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, Suffer (allow) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” How precious children are to Him.
Suppose these were your children or grandchildren facing an uncertain future with no one to help. There is a real opportunity for us to share the gospel with hurting families, especially children who are so receptive to God’s love. I believe this love can be communicated even to the youngest infant by singing to them or softly praying for them during those night feedings. Only eternity will reveal the effect our methods have had on these young lives.
Our ministry with newborn babies was truly an exciting and yet heart-rending work. We volunteered to help a private adoption agency who assisted unwed mothers with major decisions regarding the future of their babies. They offered help if the mother wanted to keep the baby, or they aided in finding a loving family to adopt the child if that was her choice. Abortion was not offered as an option.
We considered our efforts a wonderful labor of love, even though we heard some discouraging remarks occasionally. Some folks thought it would be impossible to really love an infant and give it away to strangers, while others questioned the wisdom of caring for newborns who were unable to make a decision for Christ. Fortunately, the Lord Himself gives special grace and vision to those who open their hearts to serve Him in this way.
Many times we witnessed powerful answers to prayer while caring for these special babies. We always began praying when the baby was born for all who would have a part in deciding the child’s future.
The Lord miraculously answered prayer by intervening in the adoption of a beautiful baby girl born at Christmas, whom we named Noel. She was very small, but healthy and alert. She was in our home for six weeks before we were notified that she was to be adopted.
On the morning that Noel was to meet her new parents, our family prayed that they would be the Lord’s choice for her.
When we arrived at the agency, we were told that the new father was not sure Noel was the child for them since she was so small. He had been assured by the pediatrician who attended her since birth that she was healthy and now weighed eight pounds. He was not satisfied and decided that he and his wife would wait for another child.
Everyone was appalled, including the nurses, but all agreed that Baby Noel was not meant for that couple. Our family knew that the Lord had answered our prayer!
A few days later, our precious little girl met her new family, who loved her unconditionally. Praise the Lord for His great love and protective care.
We know foster parenting is not for everyone. It is difficult to let go of a baby who has been dependent on you for all their needs during their first weeks of life. We have shed many tears when one of our little ones has gone to spend their first night with their new family. They are tears of joy, but the separation is painful.
There are various ways that God’s people can share in this blessed ministry:
* Prayer is vital for everyone involved.
* Preparing a meal for a foster care family, running an errand, or baby-sitting are practical things we can do.
* Some might be led to help financially. Foster parents desire their babies to be dressed as nicely as other children and so providing a new outfit would give grandmothers a great opportunity to go baby shopping.
May the Lord use these feeble efforts to stir your hearts to minister to precious children who need to be shown the love of Christ.
“And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mk. 10:16).